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Kenya: February 19 - February 28, 2023

Writer's picture: Wood Travel 2017Wood Travel 2017

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Kenya, and wow... what a memorable trip! I had arranged to meet a colleague, of whom I had met only once prior to arranging this trip, so that in itself can be a nerve wracking experience as I am committing to stay with someone who is basically a stranger... half-way across the world! I was up for the unknown and booked a flight!


Day 1 & 2: February 19 - 20

My flights to get to Nairobi consisted of one leg from Calgary to Amsterdam, and then another to Nairobi. I was met at the airport by my hosted tour operator and transported to my hotel, the Tamarind Tree, for the night. Food was great and the atmosphere was young and vibrant, despite all ages being very present and enjoying themselves.


Day 3 February 21

My colleague did not arrive in Nairobi and here was where my mind started to wander. The tour operator and I agreed to keep to our original itinerary as we cannot help the situation.

Our day was scheduled as follows:

• David sheldrick Elephant orphanage: the centre keeps the wild Elephants rescued from different parks in Kenya, orphaned as result of the poaching or natural deaths of the parents

• Giraffe centre: This is centre where the endangered giraffes are kept , I experienced feeding the giraffes and it was incredible!

• Karen Blixen Museum : located 10 km outside of Nairobi at the foot of the Ngong Hills. This is the former home of Danish author Karen Blixen, famous for her 1937 book Out of Africa.

(***use the black arrows on the left and right of the photo for a slideshow: they can be hard to see but are located against the edges)


After our tours, we performed some impromptu site inspections at Hermosa Garden Resort and Spa as well as Hemmingways. They were such incredible hotels, my preference being for the Hemmingways!!!



I then transferred to a new hotel for the night, the Sarova Panafric in Nairobi.


Day 4: Nairobi to Maasai Mara - February 22

Today I met my colleague as her flights were delayed until last night. It was nice seeing her again and I have to admit I felt more comfortable traveling with someone in a foreign country.

We headed out for the 6 hour drive to the Maasai Mara. We drove by the Great Valley Rift which was spectacular to see!

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From here, we continued on until we arrived at our resort: Mara lyok luxury camp. AMAZING!!! I loved the property, however the pool was obviously not used in a LONG time! It didn't matter, we didn't have much time for that! The resort boasts 16 luxury tents, from which you need an armed guard to walk to and from after dusk and before dawn. All plumbing worked well and the rooms were well appointed. I have to admit, waking up to giraffes and elephants a mere stone's throw away from my verandah while having an incredible breakfast was pretty breathtaking.


Mara Lyok Luxury Camp: http://loykmaracamp.com/

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We didn't have long to stay at the resort as we had plans for our first Safari. It ended up raining for about 5 minutes and it was INCREDIBLE! The colors in the sky as we headed back to camp after one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. I was thankful to be here, in the company of so much wild beauty. We enjoyed a great meal with entertainment from the Maasai people.

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Day 5: Maasai Mara - February 23

We enjoyed two safaris today, one early morning and one in the evening. The cats sleep during the day as they start hunting around dusk and end at dawn. All other big game live relatively harmoniously with each other. It's just those cats that cause the disturbances!


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We transferred to a new resort Sarova Mara Camp so we could experience more resorts in the area. This was a lovely camp, great for families as it had a wonderful (clean) pool great to cool off in.

I LOVED this resort very much. With an extensive on property garden, their farm to table program is increible. Fresh fruit, herbs, and vegetables grown steps away from where they are prepared - delicious!! Food and service were excellent and I would highly recommend it to any clients, especially families.


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In the evening we had another safari, and enoyed increible view points, complete with wine and laughter. This will remain one of my favorite evenings in Kenya. We were becoming more comfortable with each other, the bouts of absolute laughter and joy enjoyed among new friends will always remain dear to my heart.